WREXHAM fans will get their first glimpse of new boys Chris Armstrong, Chris Llewellyn and Matty Crowell this week when the Dragons' pre-season gets under way.

As the Mail went to press, the Reds were set to head across to Northwich for the first of their pre-season friendlies against Unibond Division One side Witton Albion at Wincham Park.

The fixture is a return match from last year, where the Dragons won 2-1 in wet and windy conditions with goals from Carlos Edwards and the now departed Lee Trundle.

And tonight, Wrexham will entertain the Malawi champions Bakilli Bullets in what should be an intriguing clash.

The Bullets, who had five players in the Malawi side that faced Angola in the African Nations Cup qualifier, recently retained their league title and also reached the final of their domestic cup competition.

Wrexham boss Denis Smith said: 'It will be interesting to see just what standard the Malawians play at. We obviously know little about them, but having just retained their league title they will be a decent side.' Smith has also been boosted by the news that wing-back Paul Edwards and Paul Barrett have finally put pen to paper on new deals, leaving Brian Carey and Jim Whitley as the only unsigned players at the club.

However, the Wrexham boss is confident they will both sign on the dotted line in the next few weeks: 'Both have given me verbal assurances they will sign and as senior players in the team, I'm happy to accept their word on the matter.

'Obviously, it was good to get the deal with Eddie completed, especially as he was also given the all-clear following a scan on his ankle. Had he needed an operation, he could have been side-lined for up to three months and then I would have been looking to bring in cover.

'As it is, we can concentrate on this week's friendlies and these two games will give me an opportunity to give all our fit players a run out. I won't be risking any of the lads who have knocks, but everyone else who is fit can expect to play some part.'

Wrexham's reserve side have confirmed they will face NEWI Cefn Druids on Saturday, July 26, with an 11am kick-off.